Winemakers hoping Government changes will assist survival

The Hunter Wine Industry Association is hoping changes recommended by a Federal Government committee will help local wine growers survive the current market downturn.

The House of Representatives Agriculture committee has released the 2011-12 Wine Australia annual report, which looked at export assistance, market development and wine tourism.

The committee is supporting an increase in wine exports to Brazil, India and South Korea.

Association President Andrew Margan says it is also pleasing that the committee is also recommending the removal of one level of bureaucracy.

"We've been trying to get some amalgamations going for at least five years that I've been involved in the Winemakers Federation of Australia and it appears that we're going to get at least two bodies together," he said.

"They're both funded through levies provided to the Federal Government across the industry.